Climate & Migration

Uniting science, policy and practice on human mobility in the context of climate and environmental change

The Environment and Migration: Interactions and Choices (EMIC) Division undertakes pioneering research to strengthen the evidence base on the multiple linkages between human mobility and environmental change. EMIC research informs policy and action of UN organizations, governments and civil society including on the circumstances under which migration can be adaptive or when it should be considered as a form of loss and damage. 
 
Specific themes include migration and displacement in the context of environmental and climate change, planned relocation, and voluntary and involuntary immobility. Cross-cutting research themes include livelihoods, adaptation, ecosystem services, development, urbanization, gender, conflict, social cohesion, culture, health and well-being. EMIC researchers have also pioneered research on ‘loss and damage’ from climate change, particularly non-economic loss and damage. 
 
Key characteristics of the EMIC Division include its focus on people, highlighting the human dimension of climate change and migration, as well as its integrative research approach that blends both qualitative and quantitative methods.